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What is the difference between “real” hardwood and prefinished hardwood?

Posted on 13. Jun, 2010 by admin in Featured Articles, Kitchens & Baths, New Construction, Remodeling

An example of sand-on-site hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring is an essential component in today’s homes, whether they be new construction or existing homes undergoing renovations. Hardwood is usually used in all living areas, and even bedrooms sometimes. With beautiful styles and species of wood available, choices are abundant. As you walk through the process of selecting a hardwood floor, you should be aware that in addition to “real” hardwood—which is technically called sand-on-site flooring—there is also prefinished (factory-finished) flooring.

Sand-on-site hardwood flooring is probably what you are used to. Typically this is a two-and-a-quarter-inch-wide solid plank that is installed raw, sanded, and then finished at your home. This is a great look and is pretty economical. The luster of the finish and color are totally up to you, and since the surface is level and the edges of the planks all match, the floor appears monolithic, or seamless. Any type of wood species can be sanded on-site. Currently, walnut, oak, and hickory are very popular, and exotic species such as Brazilian cherry and Ipe are available, too.

Prefinished hardwood flooring

Prefinished hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is available in every size, color, texture, and finish conceivable. That is truly what is great about this product: options. Also, you get to see exactly what the floor will look like before it is ever installed. The finish on these hardwoods is superior to that of site-finished because it is done in a controlled environment. (That said, this can also be a drawback because the finish can be too perfect and not look real.) There is no time wasted waiting for the finish to dry, either. Once the floor is on the ground, you can walk on it. Another great thing about prefinished is that there is a selection available for any type of substrate (which is the base on which your flooring would be laid). This means that you can even install hardwood flooring in your basement! Lastly, you receive a warranty on prefinished hardwood, which can be a nice insurance policy.

The guts of a prefinished wood floorboard (click image for larger view)

So, what selection will work best for you? Carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of all the options. Remember to consider these things during selection:

• Look and style. This is most important. Remember, you’ll live with the results of this decision for a long time to come.
• Price. What fits in your budget?
• Durability. Will your new flooring go in a high-traffic area of your home?
• Warranty. Prefinished hardwood comes with a warranty, which can bring piece of mind.
• Practicality. Will you get the most bang for your buck regarding price, ease of installation, and performance?

For more information about this topic or any other flooring issue, please call Andrew Denny at Textures at (615) 228-2922, or visit us online at www.texturesflooring.com.

Tags: building a new home, flooring tips, hardwood flooring, Remodeling, renovations